The tour promoter for sea shanty group Fisherman’s Friends was killed and a band member seriously injured when a metal door fell on them at a concert venue.

Paul McMullen and Trevor Grills were believed to have been unloading gear for a gig when the tragedy occurred at G Live in Guildford, Surrey, on Saturday morning.

Mr McMullen, 44, suffered serious leg injuries. He was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Mr Grills, 54, sustained serious head injuries and was last night in a critical condition in St George’s Hospital, Tooting, South London.

Tragic: Band promoter Paul McMullen was killed when a door fell on him at G Live venue in Guildford

The sea shanty group were given a £1m recording contract after being discovered by music industry bosses during a pub concert

Saturday night’s concert by the ten-piece Cornwall-based act, who sang When The Boat Comes In for a Young’s seafood advert on TV, was cancelled.

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed of the tragedy.

It is believed the nine singers not involved in the accident have returned home to north Cornwall.

All of the Fisherman’s Friends, who have performed in Port Isaac for more than 15 years, are or were fishermen, coastguards or lifeboatmen.

Tributes were paid last night to Mr McMullen, who is thought to have been married and a father. In a statement Darcus Beese, president of the group’s label, Island Records, said: ‘Everyone here is shocked by this tragic event, our hopes and prayers go out to the friends and families of those involved.’

A spokesman for a group, Said The Maiden, who had worked with the singers, said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the news. Paul was an amazing man, who gave us a fabulous opportunity to sing for the Fisherman’s Friends.

'We feel honoured and grateful to have been able to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the guys.’

There were more tributes on social media sites. Bekki Vousden said: ‘Was a pleasure knowing and working with such a lovely guy, my heart goes out to your family.’

Performer Davina Lines wrote: ‘Your family and friends will miss you very much. You were a top bloke.’

It is believed Mr McMullen, of Disley, Stockport, had been touring with the band for several months.

Tributes have begun pouring in on social media sites including Facebook and Twitter.